Sonnenberg's Japanese Garden is one of 250 Japanese Gardens in the United States and just one of 100 Japanese Gardens in the U.S. with a tea house. Mrs. Thompson’s Tea House, originally used as a children’s play area, is over 100 years old. Due to a weakened foundation, public access to the interior is currently prohibited.

In September, Sonnenberg collaborated with the Rochester Oriental Garden Society, Rochester Area Haiku Group, the Rochester Japanese Association, the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York and Ikebana International, Rochester Chapter 53 to present a weekend celebration of Japanese culture. Proceeds from these events also helped support Sonnenberg's Japanese Tea House Restoration Project. Thus far, about $30,000 has been secured for the project; total renovation of the Tea House is estimated to cost $75,000. View additional pictures of the Japanese Tea House and Garden.

Thank You!The Japanese Tea House roof is over fifty years old and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the preservation of the structure. A $12,000 grant from Rochester Area Community Foundation will enable us to make much needed repairs to the Tea House Roof.

If you would like to help preserve Sonnenberg’s 1908 Tea House, please send donations to Sonnenberg Gardens, 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua, NY 14424.